Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Yesteday a very interesting thing happened. I woke up, played with my son for a couple of hours, finished decorating the Christmas tree (I know, I know, a little early:-) and this really strange thing happened--the world of MiniMe BabyGear went on without me! I am so used to checking my e-mail first thing, returning e-mails for about an hour, working out issues. I love to do it, but sometimes it sets our day off on the wrong foot because I get so involved first thing. It felt so good to just relax, play with him, and give him my full attention for a while before doing business stuff. I am going to try and do it more often!

My great find of the week is: POTTY TOPPERS! Found at Babies R Us, they have saved me many gross moments, and I have only have them for a day. I get so sick of wiping pee off public toilets and trying to set out toilet paper only to have it fall off when I set my son on the potty, and I really hated the thought of bringing a disposable toilet seat everywhere I go (the bottom of it still touches the dirty seat, which I find disgusting). Retail is $4.99 for 10 of them. Worth every penny, as far as I am concerned!

Gobble, Gobble- Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families! Take the day and celebrate the many things we have to be thankful for. Wishing you a very happy and relaxing holiday.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The recent recalls of things Made in China have a lot of people begging for items made right here in the good old USA. So, why do people go to China? Why can’t products be made here instead?

Obviously, the biggest reason people go overseas is the price. United States manufacturers, in most cases, cannot compete. Currently, all of my products are made right here in the United States, but I admit that I have looked overseas. I cannot compete price-wise on a national level without going out of this country. For me, I have found that to produce my items in the states as opposed to in China costs me four to five times more.

Price aside, I prefer manufacturing here, which is why I have stayed in the USA. But we have to know that if we start the cry for products made in the USA, we are going to need to be willing to fork over the dough. Are you ready to pay $50 for a Barbie Doll? $40 for a set of blocks? I think many American companies are willing to come back if only consumers will start paying the price for goods made here. Otherwise, there will be no incentive for coming back. Did you know approximately 88% of children's toys are currently made in China? I don't even think American Girl dolls are made in the USA.

What are your thoughts- are you willing to pay four to five times more for something if it is made in the USA?